What Does a Buyer's Agent Do? A Plain-English Guide
CallARealtor is an independent information site, not a real estate brokerage, and is not affiliated with the National Association of REALTORS®. Guides are general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules vary by state.
The role
A buyer's agent represents you, the buyer, in a home purchase. They help you find homes, schedule showings, research comparable sales, write and negotiate offers, and coordinate inspections, appraisal and closing with the lender, title or escrow company, and the seller's agent.
The written buyer agreement
Since August 2024, under practice changes that followed the National Association of REALTORS® settlement, REALTORS® who work with buyers generally must have a written agreement with the buyer before touring a home. The agreement should state what the agent will be paid, or how that is determined, and compensation is negotiable. Read it carefully, ask about its length and how to end it, and ask questions before signing.
Tell us whether you're buying or selling and where, and we'll try to connect you with a local agent. Talk to an agent
How buyer's agents are paid
Pay may come from you, from the seller (if the seller agrees to offer it), or a combination, as negotiated. There is no standard or legally set commission rate. Ask any agent to explain, in writing, what you would owe in each scenario.
Choosing a buyer's agent
- Look for recent experience in the neighborhoods and price range you're shopping.
- Confirm their license on your state's real estate commission website.
- Ask how they handle multiple-offer situations and how often they'll communicate.
- Ask whether they represent buyers and sellers in the same deal (dual agency) and how that works in your state.
Tell us whether you're buying or selling and where, and we'll try to connect you with a local agent. Talk to an agent